Void volume indicator and method of consumer product selection

ABSTRACT

A void volume indicator, a packaging system, and a method of consumer product selection are disclosed. The void volume indicator can have either a primary wetness indicator, a secondary wetness indicator, or both that corresponds to a portion of a package having either a primary capacity indicator, a secondary capacity indicator, or both. After using the void volume indicator, feedback from the indicator can be used to select an absorbent article having an appropriate absorbent capacity for the person&#39;s needs.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Currently, absorbent articles are packaged in a wide variety ofpackages that employ numerous confusing methods to indicate differentabsorbent capacities to the consumer. While the manufacturers of suchproducts have been adept at providing an adequate selection of absorbentproducts having different levels of absorbency, they have had lesssuccess in educating the consumer as to which product is appropriate fortheir needs. In particular, degrees of incontinence and void volumes forindividuals vary from light infrequent episodes to chronic heavyamounts. Currently, consumers are left to a “trial and error” approachto selecting an appropriate absorbent article. They must buy a producthaving a particular absorbency level, try the product to determine ifeither leakage occurs or under utilized capacity is present, and thenreselect another absorbency level having either a higher or lowerabsorbency depending on the previous results until the appropriateproduct for their needs is found. Such a process can be time consumingat best, or worse, it can alienate the consumer from ever using thatbrand of absorbent article again if the failure on the first attempt wascatastrophic.

[0002] Therefore, what is needed is a method of determining a person'sdegree of incontinence and recommending an absorbent article having anappropriate absorbent capacity for their needs. In addition, what isneeded is a void volume indicator that indicates an appropriateabsorbency level for a person's degree of incontinence.

SUMMARY

[0003] It has been determined that the above needs can be met byproviding a void volume indicator, which instead of measuring a specificvolume of fluid, is coded to correspond with an absorbent articlepackage containing absorbent articles having an appropriate capacity forthe measured void volume.

[0004] In one aspect, the invention resides in a void volume indicatorincluding a plurality of wetness indication zones each having a primarywetness indicator, and where the plurality of wetness indication zonesprovide feedback by the primary wetness indicators to indicateprogressively increasing void volumes. The primary wetness indicatorseach having a color, and the color corresponds to a package colorlocated on at least a portion of a package containing at least oneabsorbent article having an absorbent capacity appropriate for theindicated void volume.

[0005] In another aspect, the invention resides in a void volumeindicator including a plurality of wetness indication zones each havinga secondary wetness indicator, and where the plurality of wetnessindication zones provide feedback by the secondary wetness indicators toindicate progressively increasing void volumes. The secondary wetnessindicators each having an indicia, and the indicia correspond to apackage indicia located on at least a portion of a package containing atleast one absorbent article having an absorbent capacity appropriate forthe indicated void volume.

[0006] In another aspect, the invention resides in a packaging systemincluding a plurality of packages each containing at least one absorbentarticle having an absorbent capacity, each of the packages contain onlyabsorbent articles having the same absorbent capacity, and at least twopackages contain absorbent articles having a different absorbentcapacity. An exterior face located on each package having a primarycapacity indicator, and the primary capacity indicators are differentcolor hues of the same base color. A darker hue is present on thepackage containing the absorbent article having a higher absorbentcapacity than the package containing the absorbent article having alower absorbent capacity.

[0007] In another aspect, the invention resides in a method of absorbentarticle selection including: providing a void volume indicator;providing a plurality of packages each containing at least one absorbentarticle having an absorbent capacity, each of the packages contain onlyabsorbent articles having the same absorbent capacity, and at least twopackages contain absorbent articles having a different absorbentcapacity; and recommending the absorbent article having the absorbentcapacity indicated after using the void volume indicator.

[0008] In another aspect, the invention resides in a method of absorbentarticle selection including: using a void volume indicator, capturingbodily fluids with the void volume indicator, and selecting an absorbentarticle package based on feedback from the void volume indicator.

[0009] In another aspect, the invention resides in an absorbent articleincluding a transparent bottomsheet, and an absorbent structure disposedadjacent the transparent bottomsheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The patent or application file contains at least one drawingexecuted in color. Copies of this patent or patent applicationpublication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office uponrequest and payment of the necessary fee.

[0011] The above aspects and other features, aspects, and advantages ofthe present invention will become better understood with regard to thefollowing description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0012]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the void volume indicator.

[0013]FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the void volumeindicator.

[0014]FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the void volumeindicator.

[0015]FIG. 4 illustrate another embodiment of the void volume indicator.

[0016]FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the void volumeindicator.

[0017]FIG. 6 illustrates absorbent article packages of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] As used herein “color hues of the same base color” means that thedifferent colors are obtained by adding various amounts of a blackpigment to the base color commonly called a shade, or the differentcolors are obtained by adding various amounts of a white pigment to thebase color commonly called a tint.

[0019] As used herein “corresponds” means to be consistent, similar, orcomparable. It is not necessary for the two corresponding items to beidentical or to match. For instance, indicia having the same shape, butof two differing sizes are considered corresponding.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a void volumeindicator 20 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the void volumeindicator is in the form of a specially designed absorbent pad thatincludes a bottomsheet 22, and an absorbent structure 24. If desired, atopsheet 26 can be included. Various types of absorbent articles areknown to those of skill in the art, and suitable materials for thebottomsheet, topsheet, and absorbent structure are readily known or canbe obtained from reading patents relating to absorbent articles. Forinstance, the topsheet can be a spunbond nonwoven, the absorbentstructure can be a cellulose fluff/superabsorbent mixture, and thebottomsheet can be a polyethylene film. In addition, it is possible todesign the pad with other features known to those of skill in the artsuch as wings, elastic members, body fitting shapes, multiple absorbentlayers, intake/distribution layers, tissue layers, or attachmentmechanisms to either the body or undergarments as illustrativenon-exhaustive possibilities.

[0021] The void volume indicator includes a plurality of wetnessindication zones 28, in this instance concentric ovals 29, whichcorrespond to increasing void volumes that are absorbed by the pad. Forinstance, pouring about 5 ml of urine or fluid into the center of thepad will cause the pad to wet only the oval identified as “Pantiliner or1”. Pouring about 50 ml of urine into the center of the pad with causethe pad to wet out to the oval identified as “Extra Plus or 5.” Thepad's wicking rate is controlled by the design of the absorbentstructure 24 such that a specific fluid capacity is absorbed by eachwetness indication zone 28 before wicking proceeds to the next zone.

[0022] One such method to control the wicking would be to vary thethickness or density of the absorbent structure 24 in each of thewetness indication zones 28 to control the absorbent capacity for thatzone. Thus, the absorbent structure would be thinner or less densetowards the pad's center and thicker or denser towards the pad'speriphery. Another technique would be to vary the ratio of pulp tosuperabsorbent particles present in each wetness indication zone. Thoseof skill in the art know or can determine the relative absorbentproperties of materials commonly used for an absorbent structure suchthat designing the pad to wet or wick to a specific region for a givenfluid volume is possible.

[0023] The number of wetness indication zones 28 provided will depend onhow many different absorbent capacities are sold by the manufacturer fora specific product line. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the void volumeindicator 20 has seven wetness indication zones. Referring to FIGS. 2and 4, the void volume indicator 20 has four wetness indication zones.The table below indicates two possible methods for assigning the fluidcapacity in milliliters to the wetness indication zones. As seen in thetable, it is possible to design the ranges to either overlap or to bedistinct. Overlapping ranges have been found to provide a benefit whennot all absorbency levels are stocked by a retailer. TABLE 1 WetnessIndication Zones and Corresponding Absorbent Capacity FIG. 2 and 4Pantiliner or 1  0-14 ml Light or 1  0-30 ml Thin or 2  9-27 ml Moderateor 2 31-60 ml Regular or 3 16-37 ml Heavy or 3 61-90 ml Extra or 4 25-59ml Beyond Pads or 4 >90 ml Extra Plus or 5 35-71 ml Ultra or 6 43-80 mlUltra Plus or 7 51-95 ml

[0024] Referring back to FIG. 1, each wetness indication zone 28contains a primary wetness indicator 30, and a secondary wetnessindicator 32. The primary wetness indicator 30 is a color. The secondarywetness indicator 32 is indicia such as words, numbers, letters, orsymbols. The terms Primary and Secondary should not be read as limitingin that it is possible to design the void volume indicator 20 with onlya primary wetness indicator 30, with only a secondary wetness indicator32, or with both a primary and secondary wetness indicator (30, 32) asshown. Unlike other volume measuring devices instead of indicating aspecific volume of fluid in milliliters or other volumetric unit, thevoid volume indicator 20 identifies an appropriate absorbent capacityfor an absorbent article that is sold by a manufacturer. Thus, aconsumer can use the void volume indicator 20 for a period of timecapturing the episodes of incontinent urine leakage, and then theconsumer can remove the indicator and readily determine which capacityto select when buying an absorbent article. Alternatively, the consumercan determine that an absorbent pad has insufficient capacity, and theyneed to buy larger capacity products such as briefs or underwear typeabsorbent articles. (FIG. 2, 4)

[0025] The primary wetness indicators 30 can be various colors such aswhite, pink green, blue, etcetera. Alternatively, the primary wetnessindicators can be various colors corresponding to different color huesof the same base color. For instance, the colors could be a progressionfrom very light blue to very dark blue. It has been determined thatconsumers prefer hues of one base color progressing from light to darkto indicate absorbent capacities from low to high. This is lessconfusing than trying to remember an arbitrary assignment of one color,such as green, to low capacity and another color, such as purple, tohigh capacity. The primary wetness indicators 30 for each absorbentcapacity utilized on the void volume indicator 20 can be placed onto atleast a portion of a corresponding absorbent article package containingabsorbent articles having an absorbent capacity appropriate for theindicated void volume.

[0026] The primary wetness indicators 30 can be placed onto thebottomsheet 22, the absorbent structure 24, or the topsheet 26 of thepad by coloring the appropriate area of that component. In a desirableconfiguration, the bottomsheet 22 is transparent such as a transparentplastic or film. A stabilized or cross linked absorbent materialcontaining cellulose fibers, a bonding agent such thermoplastic fibers,and a superabsorbent is used for the absorbent structure. An example ofa stabilized absorbent material is disclosed in PCT application WO02/055788 A2 entitled “Cellulosic Product Having High CompressionRecovery.” In general, stabilized absorbent structures are white, andthe corresponding colored primary wetness indications zones 30 can beprinted or otherwise contained on or by the absorbent structure, such asby dying the pulp. After use, it is a relatively simple operation toturn the pad over and view the wetting pattern through the transparentbottomsheet 22 to determine the recommended absorbent product having thenecessary absorbent capacity. If desired, the transparent bottomsheet 22could have the colored pattern present on it instead.

[0027] The secondary wetness indicators 32 are indicia such as words,numbers, letters, or symbols that correspond to the absorbent articleshaving different absorbent capacities. It has been determined thatconsumers prefer numbers instead of words, since this is more intuitiveespecially when a lower number is used for a low capacity and a highernumber is used for a higher capacity. For instance, remembering that a“4” has lower capacity than a “6” is easier than trying to remember an“Extra” has less capacity than an “Ultra”. The secondary wetnessindicators 32 for each absorbent capacity utilized on the void volumeindicator 20 can be placed onto at least a portion of a correspondingabsorbent article package containing absorbent articles having anabsorbent capacity appropriate for the indicated void volume.

[0028] The indicia can be placed onto the bottomsheet 22, the absorbentstructure 24, or the topsheet 26 of the pad by printing (or other means)the appropriate area of that component. In addition, it is not requiredto place the primary and secondary wetness indicators (30, 32) onto thesame component. For example, if a transparent bottomsheet is used theabsorbent structure can be colored while the indicia can be printed ontothe bottomsheet.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, another embodiment for the void volumeindicator 20 is shown. This embodiment is similar to FIG. 1, but insteadof the wetness indication zones 28 being concentric ovals 29, thewetness indication zones are rectangular areas 31. The rectangular areas31 are orientated such that their length is parallel to a transversecentral axis 34 and their width is parallel to a longitudinal centralaxis 36. The void volume indicator 20 works by wicking urine and otherfluids progressively farther away from a center 38 where ideally theinsult occurs. Since the wicking or the insult may not occur perfectlyuniformly, a wetness indication line 40 after the urine insult canassume the non-uniform shape as drawn. A non-uniform wetness line can beconfusing to read on the void volume indicator depicted in FIG. 1, sincethe line 40 could wander or cross into several wetness zones 28. Theillustrated void volume indicator solves this problem by use of therectangular areas 31. As indicated in the figure, a “Moderate or 2”absorbent capacity is appropriate for this occurrence by examining thelongitudinal ends of line 40.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, another embodiment of the voidvolume indicator 20 is shown. In this configuration, the void volumeindicator includes a hollow cylinder 42 having a pair of opposing ends43. A base 44 is attached to one opposing end, and a funnel shapedopening 46 is attached to the other opposing end. The hollow cylinder 42is marked with a plurality of wetness indication zones 28 each having aprimary wetness indictor 30 and a secondary wetness indicator 32.Desirably, the hollow cylinder 42 is transparent and the primary wetnessindicators 30 are colored bands around the cylinder's periphery.Alternatively, the primary wetness indicators could be a colored line orbar.

[0031] The void volume indicator of FIGS. 3 and 4 can be utilized byindividuals who are partially continent to assess their needed absorbentcapacity. Alternatively, the void volume indicator can be graduated withcommon volumetric graduations in addition to the primary and secondarywetness indicators (30, 32) for use by hospitals. It is known thatindividuals recovering from prostrate surgery are generally incontinentimmediately following surgery, and often many hospitals will monitor apatient's urine output while using a catheter after surgery. By use ofthe void volume indicator, the hospital could obtain its requiredvolumetric reading, and the patient would know what absorbent articlecapacity was required to be purchased after removal of the catheter.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 5 another void volume indicator 20 is shownas a cross-section through its longitudinal central axis. The indicatorincludes a transparent bottomsheet 22, an absorbent structure 24, and atopsheet 26. The bottomsheet can overlap the topsheet along the sidesand ends of the indicator as shown. Desirably, the absorbent structureis a stabilized absorbent and has the wetness zones 28 of FIG. 1 presenton its lower surface 64. Alternatively, the wetness zones can be presenton the bottomsheet.

[0033] An intake member 66 having a baffle 58 partially surrounding anintake/distribution material 60 is disposed on the topsheet 26. Ifdesired, an additional topsheet 26 can be disposed over theintake/distribution material 60 (not shown). The intake member 66 can beround when viewed from the top, and it can cover less surface area thanthe topsheet 26 on which it is disposed. If desired, the intake member66 can be an oval, elliptical, or other shape that is comfortableagainst the body.

[0034] The function of the intake member 66 is to collect and controlthe release fluid through an orifice 62 into the absorbent structure 24.The baffle 58 is a liquid impermeable material, or is treated to beliquid impermeable, such that fluid or urine 35 present in the intakemember 66 must pass through the orifice 62 to enter the absorbentstructure 24, instead of passing through the baffle 58 and the topsheet26.

[0035] The intake member 66 increases the accuracy of the void volumeindicator by eliminating centering and alignment issues when using thevoid volume indicator of FIG. 1, because the collected fluid enters theabsorbent structure through the orifice. Because the orifice 62 can beprecisely aligned with the center of the wetness zones, instances offluid wetness patterns not coincident with the center of the wetnesszones are reduced.

[0036] Suitable materials for the topsheet, bottomsheet, absorbentstructure, baffle, and intake/distribution material are known to thoseof skill in the art. For example, the topsheet can be a spunbondnonwoven, the bottomsheet a polyethylene film, the baffle a polyethylenefilm, and the intake/distribution material a PRISM nonwoven materialavailable from Kimberly-Clark Corporation having an office in Neenah,Wis.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 6, a plurality of packages 48 with eachpackage containing absorbent articles having a different absorbentcapacity is shown. An exterior face 50 of each package can include aportion having a primary capacity indicator 52 and another portionhaving a secondary capacity indicator 54. The package 48 also has abrand/product indicator 56 to convey that it contains a specific type ofabsorbent article from a specific manufacture. The primary and secondaryabsorbent capacity indicators (52, 54) correspond in color or indicia tothe primary and secondary wetness indicators (30, 32) on the void volumeindicator 20 (FIGS. 2 and 4). The terms Primary and Secondary should notbe read as limiting in that it is possible to design the packages 48with only a primary capacity indicator 52, with only a secondarycapacity indicator 54, or with both a primary and secondary capacityindicator (52, 54) as shown.

[0038] As seen in the illustration, utilization of a primary capacityindicator 52, which has various color hues of the same base color,readily conveys an increasing level of absorbency for the packages. Alighter hue is used for the package containing the lowest absorbentcapacity products, while a darker hue is used for the package containingthe highest absorbent capacity products. The absorbent capacities forthe different packages is further enhanced by use of the secondarycapacity indicator 54 superimposed over the primary capacity indicator52. The primary capacity indicator 52 can be in the shape of arectangular bar 57 orientated horizontally on the exterior face 50.Alternatively, the color hue could be the whole package, a vertical bar,or other portion of the exterior face.

[0039] The void volume indicator 20 and corresponding packages 48 can beused jointly to provide a method for consumer product selection.Initially, the consumer determines that they have an incontinenceproblem and makes a determination as to the type of product they wish touse. For instance, they may wish to initially select an absorbent padtype product for use with conventional underwear as opposed to a brieftype product that would replace their underwear. Next, the consumerwould be provided with a void volume indicator 20 having its associatedwetness indicators (30, 32) that correspond to the package capacityindicators (52, 54) for the type of product the consumer desires to use.If desired, the brand/product indicator 56 can be placed onto the voidvolume indicator 20 (FIG. 3) to help ensure consumers understand thevoid volume indicator is for the type of product they desire to use. Theconsumer then uses the void volume indicator under the conditions theydesire for a product recommendation. For instance, they may use itduring active periods, or during overnight conditions, for which theresults and required absorbent capacity could vary. The indicatedabsorbent capacity and hence the recommended product is determined fromthe void volume indicator 20 after use. From this information, theconsumer knows what range or specific product they should select. Thus,when shopping it is a simple matter to select the packagingcorresponding to the results obtained with the void volume indicator topurchase absorbent articles with the necessary absorbent capacity.

[0040] The void volume indicator results should be viewed more as arecommendation, since the consumer may select a different absorbentcapacity based on other factors besides the product's absorbentcapacity. For example, one size may fit better, they may prefer morecapacity than required for extra security, they may prefer other productfeatures, or the price may enter into the selection decision.Alternatively, the consumer may choose a higher absorbency to gain alonger wearing time in order to minimize the number of changes requiredduring the day. For example, a consumer who uses the void volumeindicator of FIG. 1 and who falls into the “Extra or 4” range may wishto consider using the “Extra Plus or 5” pad or the “Regular or 3” padinstead for the above reasons.

[0041] While the void volume indicator has been described for use byincontinent persons in conjunction with the capturing of urine, theindicator can be used to capture other bodily fluids such as menses, andfor the selection of a sanitary napkin. It will be appreciated that theforegoing description, given for the purposes of illustration, is not tobe construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined bythe claims and all equivalents thereto.

We claim:
 1. A void volume indicator comprising: a plurality of wetnessindication zones each having a primary wetness indicator, and whereinthe plurality of wetness indication zones provide feedback by theprimary wetness indicators to indicate progressively increasing voidvolumes; and the primary wetness indicators each having a color whereinthe color corresponds to a package color located on at least a portionof a package containing at least one absorbent article having anabsorbent capacity appropriate for the indicated void volume.
 2. Thevoid volume indicator of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality ofsecondary wetness indicators located in each of the wetness indicationzones; the secondary wetness indicators each having an indicia whereinthe indicia corresponds to a package indicia located on at least aportion of a package containing at least one absorbent article having anabsorbent capacity appropriate for the indicated void volume.
 3. Thevoid volume indicator of claim 2 wherein the indicia are selected fromthe group consisting of Pantiliner, Thin, Regular, Extra, Extra Plus,Ultra, Ultra Plus, and Beyond Pads.
 4. The void volume indicator ofclaim 2 wherein the indicia are selected from the group consisting ofLight, Moderate, Heavy, and Beyond Pads.
 5. The void volume indicator ofclaim 2 wherein the indicia are selected from the group consisting of 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, and wherein a higher numeral representsan increasing void volume.
 6. The void volume indicator of claim 1wherein the indicator further comprises a hollow cylinder having a baselocated on one end and a funnel shaped opening located on an opposingend, and wherein the primary wetness indicators comprise colored areasdisposed on the cylinder between the base and the funnel shaped opening.7. The void volume indicator of claim 1 wherein the indicator furthercomprises an absorbent pad having an absorbent structure disposed on abottomsheet, and wherein the primary wetness indicators comprise coloredareas of the absorbent pad.
 8. The void volume indicator of claim 7wherein the colored areas are concentric ovals.
 9. The void volumeindicator of claim 7 further comprising a central longitudinal axis anda central traverse axis, the colored areas comprising rectangular areashaving a longitudinal width dimension and a traverse length dimension,and wherein the length dimension is greater than the width dimension.10. The void volume indicator of claim 7 wherein the bottomsheet istransparent.
 11. The void volume indicator of claim 1 wherein theprimary wetness indicators are different color hues of the same basecolor, and a lighter hue is a lower void volume and a darker hue is ahigher void volume.
 12. A void volume indicator comprising: a pluralityof wetness indication zones each having a secondary wetness indicator,and wherein the plurality of wetness indication zones provide feedbackby the secondary wetness indicators to indicate progressively increasingvoid volumes; and the secondary wetness indicators each having anindicia wherein the indicia correspond to a package indicia located onat least a portion of a package containing at least one absorbentarticle having an absorbent capacity appropriate for the indicated voidvolume.
 13. The void volume indicator of claim 12 wherein the indiciaare selected from the group consisting of Light, Moderate, Heavy, andBeyond Pads.
 14. The void volume indicator of claim 12 wherein theindicia are selected from the group consisting of Pantiliner, Thin,Regular, Extra, Extra Plus, Ultra, Ultra Plus, and Beyond Pads.
 15. Thevoid volume indicator of claim 12 wherein the indicia are selected fromthe group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10; and wherein ahigher numeral represents an increasing void volume.
 16. A kitcomprising a package containing at least one void volume indicator andat least one absorbent article.
 17. A packaging system comprising: aplurality of packages each containing at least one absorbent articlehaving an absorbent capacity, each of the packages contain onlyabsorbent articles having the same absorbent capacity, and at least twopackages contain absorbent articles having a different absorbentcapacity; an exterior face located on each package having a primarycapacity indicator; and wherein the primary capacity indicators aredifferent color hues of the same base color, and a darker hue is presenton the package containing the absorbent article having a higherabsorbent capacity than the package containing the absorbent articlehaving a lower absorbent capacity.
 18. The packaging system of claim 17wherein the primary absorbent capacity indicators correspond to aplurality of primary wetness indicators located on a void volumeindicator.
 19. The packaging system of claim 17 further comprising asecondary capacity indicator having an indicia selected from the groupconsisting or words, numbers, letters, or symbols, and the secondaryabsorbent capacity is located on the exterior face.
 20. The packagingsystem of claim 19 wherein the primary and the secondary absorbentcapacity indicators correspond to a plurality of primary and a pluralityof secondary wetness indicators located on a void volume indicator. 21.The packaging system of claim 17 wherein the primary absorbent capacityindicator comprises a rectangular bar and the secondary capacityindicator is superimposed over the primary absorbent capacity indicator.22. A method of absorbent article selection comprising: providing a voidvolume indicator; providing a plurality of packages each containing atleast one absorbent article having an absorbent capacity, each of thepackages contain only absorbent articles having the same absorbentcapacity, and at least two packages contain absorbent articles having adifferent absorbent capacity, and recommending the absorbent articlehaving the absorbent capacity indicated after using the void volumeindicator.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the recommending steprecommends an absorbent article having either the next higher or thenext lower absorbent capacity than the indicated capacity.
 24. Themethod of claim 22 wherein the recommending step directs that adifferent type of absorbent article is required.
 25. A method ofabsorbent article selection comprising: using a void volume indicator;capturing bodily fluids with the void volume indicator; and selecting anabsorbent article package based on feedback from the void volumeindicator.
 26. An absorbent article comprising: a transparentbottomsheet, and an absorbent structure disposed adjacent thetransparent bottomsheet.
 27. The absorbent article of claim 26 furthercomprising: a topsheet disposed adjacent the absorbent structure, anintake member disposed adjacent the topsheet having a baffle, anintake/distribution material disposed adjacent the baffle, and anorifice in fluid communication with the absorbent structure.
 28. Theabsorbent article of claim 27 having a primary wetness indicator for useas a void volume indicator, and the primary wetness indicator is visibleby use of the transparent bottomsheet.
 29. The absorbent article ofclaim 27 having a secondary wetness indicator for use as a void volumeindicator, and the secondary wetness indicator is visible by use of thetransparent bottomsheet.
 30. The absorbent article of claim 28 furthercomprising a secondary wetness indicator, and the primary and secondarywetness indicators are visible by use of the transparent bottomsheet.